Merger puts AAT shake-up on the cards

The Association of Accounting Technicians, a sister organisation of the leading institutes, is facing a board shake-up as the ICAEW and CIPFA consider a two-way merger. Link:Institutes confirm two-phase merger process

The AAT, which has over 100,000 members, is sponsored by the ICAEW, ICAS, CIPFA and CIMA. Each institute has three representatives on the AAT council, but should the ICAEW and CIPFA successfully implement a discussed merger, the AAT’s council structure could face a major shake-up.

Accountancy Age has reported that the ICAEW and CIPFA are considering a merger to kickstart a broader institute consolidation that aims to include the other institutes later on.

Should the ICAEW and CIPFA follow this route, the AAT’s council structure will be effected, as it will be unclear whether the newly-merged entity will take the six seats previously held by the ICAEW and CIPFA, or have its representation cut to three positions.

Jane Scott Paul, chief executive of the AAT, said the organisation was ‘watching current developments with interest’, but would not comment further on the potential implications for the AAT’s governance structure.

‘It would be premature to comment in detail on the implications for the AAT before we know the final outcome. When there is a clear way forward, we will work to achieve a mutually satisfactory relationship with the relevant bodies,’ she said.